Evonik, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has commenced production of ultra-high purity colloidal silica for the semiconductor industry at its new facility in Weston, Michigan. Colloidal silica is a vital raw material for the electronics and semiconductor sectors, driven by increasing global demand for complex and miniaturized microchips and digital products. This plant is the first of its kind in North America.
“The new facility is a strategic portfolio addition and testament to Evonik’s commitment to innovation and supply security for our customers in the semiconductor market,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, Head of Evonik’s Smart Materials Division. “We are proud to inaugurate this new addition to our Weston facility.”
The U.S. semiconductor industry has seen investments totaling nearly $450 billion across 25 states, supported by government incentives under the CHIPS Act of 2022, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. These incentives aim to stabilize the semiconductor supply chain in America, with the industry’s manufacturing capacity in the U.S. expected to triple by 2032.
Evonik’s new colloidal silica plant is located at its Weston site, which already has experience in producing ultra-pure materials for the semiconductor industry. The new plant will integrate into existing processes at the site, making Evonik one of the few market participants capable of reliably producing colloidal silica for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) with the necessary quality and purity. CMP, a microscopically precise polishing process, is crucial for microchip production. Evonik’s colloidal silica, marketed under the IDISIL® brand, is distinguished by its ultra-high purity and particularly narrow particle size distribution.
“We are proud that Evonik chose to invest in Michigan as we continue to build on our growing semiconductor ecosystem, especially its supply chain,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “On behalf of the MEDC and Team Michigan, I congratulate Evonik on its ribbon cutting and thank them for their confidence in our state, helping us to win more projects that attract people and revitalize places.”
In addition to the ultra-pure colloidal silica plant, Evonik has recently opened the Global Semiconductor Center of Excellence in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This Center allows Evonik to focus on critical chemicals for microchip production, engaging in customer-driven projects and offering technical support for IDISIL customers.
“The Semiconductor Center of Excellence is an investment in the anticipated growth of the semiconductor chemicals market over the coming years,” said Christian Edlinger, Head of the Americas region in Evonik’s Silanes business line. “Our team’s extensive experience and capabilities will enable us to develop and market new, innovative chemicals that will help our customers stay ahead of the curve.”
The Center is part of Evonik’s Innovation Hub in Allentown, which includes state-of-the-art testing and processing labs as well as a pilot plant.
